Election 2010 UCA Resources

Hi Guys, below is all the great work from uniting justice on some of the issues and things to think about leading up to the 2010 election. I have copied the page in full because it could do with a couple of home plus less clicks for you. I will have some hard copies at upperoom project this month or just download some now.  - Age

Your Faith, Your Vote, Your Voice

When it comes time to exercise one of our core democratic rights and responsibilities and vote in a parliamentary election, how do we think about our vote? Do we vote the way we always have? Do we vote on the basis of a single issue? Will we vote for whoever is promising the most? Is our vote based on which candidate will be better able to  represent our locality? Will we think about what kind of society we want and which politicians seem to share our values?

Building an Economy for Lifeinvites you to consider the values which underpin the policies of the political parties and candidates who are asking us to give them the responsibility of national leadership.

Download these resources

Building an Economy for Life Booklet

The cornerstone of the resources is the Building an Economy for Life booklet, which explores some of the major areas of public policy and current issues from a Christian perspective on human and ecological wellbeing. A fuller introduction to the theology and more detailed information about the purpose of the resource can be found here.

The booklet also includes an election toolkit with useful links to information on all things politics and elections and suggestions for planning activities such as pre-election candidates forums and a meeting with your local MP or candidates.

Click here to download the booklet

You can obtain hard copies of this booklet, free of charge, by contacting the Assembly office, on 02 8267 4300 or email enquiries@nat.uca.org.au

Hot Issues

The Hot Issues papers are A5 sized flyers that take a snap-shot look at particular topical issues such as Indigenous health, the Northern Territory intervention, gender pay equity, freedom of religion and multiculturalism. Several of these papers are available in hard copy - contact the Assembly office to place an order, on 02 8267 4300 or email enquiries@nat.uca.org.au

• Alcohol Misuse
• Christmas Island
• Taking the “Dis” out of Disability
• Gambling
• The State of Indigenous Health
• Northern Territory Indigenous Intervention
• Multiculturalism in Australia
• People Trafficking
• Freedom of Religion (web-only)
• Gender Pay Equity (web-only)
• A Tax on Financial Transactions (web-only)

Issues Papers

These web-only papers offer a more in-depth look at the issues and policies covered in the Building an Economy for Life booklet. Papers have been contributed from many parts of the Church, including the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress and numerous Assembly agencies and units.

• Recognition and Respect: Justice for Indigenous Australians
• Protecting the Persecuted: Compassion for Asylum Seekers and Refugees
• Tackling Climate Change: Ensuring our Future
• Beyond the Urban Fringe: Issues for Outback Australia
• Protecting Human Rights
• Justice in Income Support
• Sharing the Wealth: A Just and Progressive Taxation System
• A Decent Life for Older People
• Embracing our Diversity: A Multicultural, Multi-faith Society
• Justice in International Development

Additional Resources

How to plan a candidates forum

Read the statement ‘An Economy of Life’ adopted by the 12^th Assembly. 
http://www.unitingjustice.org.au/uniting-church-statements.html#economyoflife.

* all Federal Election 2010 resources have been printed on ‘carbon neutral’ paper

‘Pray that politicians rediscover some basic human decency, and quickly’

Opposition leaves Christian values behind

The policy announcement today by the Federal Opposition in relation to asylum seekers is disappointing in the extreme. Here is a media release we’ve put out today. I’d encourage you, if you feel the same way, to express your view, to your local MP.

‘The use of asylum seekers for political point-scoring has now reached a new low. Leaders of the Uniting Church in Australia are horrified by the most recent remarks and policy announcement by the Opposition.

The President of the Uniting Church, Rev. Alistair Macrae said, “While the shock jocks who enjoy whipping up a frenzy at the expense of vulnerable people may find Mr Morrison’s language appealing, it is inappropriate to be developing public policy that takes ‘aim’ at people.”

“The image of a stable, peaceful and democratic government armed with bows and arrows aimed at defenceless people seeking freedom and protection is callous, violent and extremely irresponsible. It is a shocking demonstration of how deep the Opposition is prepared to sink in order the harness a few votes,” said Rev. Macrae.

“Mr Abbott and Mr Morrison, who both proudly proclaim their Christian faith have lost sight of the core of that faith – ‘love your neighbour’ and ‘do unto others as you would have them do unto you’. They have failed to demonstrate any commitment to one of the Judeo-Christian tradition’s most enduring directives – ‘welcome the stranger’.

…continue reading here http://alistairmacraeuca.blogspot.com/2010/05/opposition-leaves-christian-values.html

Indefinite detention making an election comeback?

Anyone else feel like indefinite detention is making and election comeback?

Here is Al’s official UCA response.

Media Release pdf

9 April 2010

Uniting Church condemns suspension of Afghan, Sri Lankan visas

President of the Uniting Church in Australia, Rev. Alistair Macrae has condemned the announcement today by

Foreign Minister Stephen Smith and Immigration Minister Chris Evans that Australia has suspended the

processing of all protection applications from Sri Lankan and Afghan asylum seekers.

Rev. Macrae said, ?the Government has broken its promises to uphold the rights of asylum seekers by

returning to what is in essence a form of indefinite, mandatory detention.

?While we commend the Government?s continued commitment to the humane treatment of people in

detention, it is inherently inhumane to keep people who have fled persecution, torture and deep trauma

detained and in limbo with no indication of when or if their claim for protection will ever be heard.

?The Government has up until now committed itself to the speedy processing of protection claims because

they understand that indefinite detention is inappropriate,? said Rev. Macrae.

On 29 July 2008, announcing the Government?s ?New Directions in Detention? policy, the Minister for

Immigration said,

Labor rejects the notion that dehumanising and punishing unauthorised arrivals with long-term detention is an effective or

civilised response. Desperate people are not deterred by the threat of harsh detention ? they are often fleeing much worse

circumstances. The Howard government?s punitive policies did much damage to those individuals detained and brought great

shame on Australia .

The fourth value of the Government?s Seven Immigration Detention Values states:

Detention that is indefinite or otherwise arbitrary is not acceptable and the length and conditions of detention, including the

appropriateness of both the accommodation and the services provided, would be subject to regular review.

?While the Government claims that this decision is in response to changing circumstances in Sri Lanka and

Afghanistan, it is very difficult to interpret it in any way other than a response to domestic political pressure

and designed to achieve maximum favour in the Australian electorate,? said Rev. Elenie Poulos, National

Director of UnitingJustice.

?Yet again we see asylum seekers being punished to order to satisfy the call to send a tough message to

people smugglers. This tendency of successive governments to punish the victims is of deep concern and out

of step with Australia?s reputation as a hospitable community,? said Rev. Poulos.

?All of the evidence and views of Australia?s most respected mental health professionals, including those of

2010 Australian of the Year Professor Patrick McGorry, attest to the devastating effects of mandatory,

indefinite detention on asylum seekers? psychological state ability to fully participate in the community once

they have left detention to start their new lives,? said Rev. Macrae.

Rev. Macrae ?I call on the Prime Minister to explain to the electorate how this decision is not contrary to all

that the Government has so far stood for.

?The Uniting Church is extremely concerned about the welfare of extremely vulnerable people who are

confined in detention without any sense of future,? said Rev. Macrae.

RAC - Vigil to Welcome Refugees

Tampa, SIEV X … Never again

Vigil to Welcome Refugees

Demand a fair deal for asylum seekers

Process the asylum seekers’ claims and offer them safety in Australia

Monday 26 October

5.30pm

Federation Square

Bring your own messages of support for the refugees, placards and banners etc.

Organised by Refugee Action Collective. Supported by the Tamil Community.

For information: phone Marie 0409 252673 or Sue 0413-377-978

BTW want quick background and a link on sievx? here

oh and if your keen to celebrate the recent changes because of dedicated advocacy and campaigning …

Hotham Mission Asylum Seeker Project and the Uniting Church Justice and International Mission Unit invite you to an evening exploring the recent Government policy changes around asylum seekers.?Wed Nov 4 - @CTM- 1 Morrison Cl Parkville- ?6:30-830pm
More details here
RSVP by Friday 30th of October to Sam at sam.asp@hothammission.org.au or on 9326 8343

Cause to Celebrate - Hotham

Hotham Mission Asylum Seeker Project and the Uniting Church Justice and International Mission Unit invite you to an evening exploring the recent Government policy changes around asylum seekers.

The evening will be a chance to celebrate the dedicated advocacy and campaigning that made these changes possible and to hear from ASP case workers about how much these changes will actually affect asylum seekers in the community.

Caz Coleman, Director of Hotham Mission ASP, will also be speaking about her recent attendance at the UNHCR Executive Committee Meeting in Geneva as an NGO delegate and time in London, Glasgow, Stockholm and Toronto to conduct research into government funded asylum seeker housing models.

Tea, coffee and a light supper provided.

RSVP by Friday 30th of October to Sam at sam.asp@hothammission.org.au or on 9326 8343

Facebook event page if your on it

http://www.hothammission.org.au/

Quick Asylum Seeker Action

Dear friends

Please drop everything and do two things that could raise $60,000 for asylum seekers in need of our help, and will certainly raise awareness of the harsh conditions they face every day!

1. Go to http://www1.canon.com.au/creativeforacause/Photo/Gallery.aspx?photo=4A4BCAC8E98D7278 and vote for the photo shown there. It is a? photo from the exhibition “Made in Australia: Stranded between two worlds” by Viv Mehes. The photo captures a moment in the life of a Sri Lankan asylum seeker family sheltered by the Hotham Mission Asylum Seeker Project. (N.B. The photo is also below and attached so you can see it large)

Photographer Viv Mehe’s wrote about the photo: “Asylum seekers wait in limbo for years. I was deeply touched to see Ravi’s family finding great inner strength and hope having lost so much”. Sri Lankan news in the foreground, Ravi (not actual name) is teaching two sons (Japanese actually), while his smallest son looks out…

2. Send this email to everyone you know asking them personally to do the same - vote and send, vote and send..!! (Please also post the photo and link on your facebook if you have one, and of course please use any other means you can! Voting closes on Friday July 10. Each person can only vote once for this photo.

(HINT: Write ?Dear friends?, then open your address book, select all, put in the BCC field and send)

THANKYOU !!

This photo, “Ravi teaching his children”, is the Viv Mehes’ entry for the Hotham Mission Asylum Seeker Project entry in the first Canon “Creative for a Cause” competition. 24 photos will be short-listed, being the 2 photos in each category that get the most votes, plus one editor’s pick per category. The ones judged best in Australia and New Zealand will win $60,000 and $25,000 respectively for their causes, while the four next best will receive Canon equipment packages.

Hotham Mission Asylum Seekers Project (ASP) helps more than 350 asylum seekers living legally in the community, but in abject poverty. No other group has been so barred from income and so dependent on charity to survive in Australia. ASP provides housing, a basic living allowance, help with utilities and emergencies, a program of one-to-one support by volunteers, men’s and women’s support groups, and advocacy.? ASP bears the particular responsibility of providing accommodation, basic income and casework services for those who are in the second half of the Refugee Determination Process. Most are barred from seeking work and have no entitlement to any government support.

These are the poorest of the poor in Australia in terms of entitlements. Many asylum seekers also suffer mental illness as a result of the cumulative affect of the traumas that they have fled, which has been compounded by the impacts of poverty, isolation, detention and uncertainty, suffered while going through the protection determination process in Australia.

Find out more about the Asylum Seeker project by visiting www.hothammission.org.au.
DONATIONS ARE URGENTLY NEEDED - please go straight to http://www.ourcommunity.com.au/hothammission to make a secure credit card donation or call 03 9326 8243.

AI Action - Christmas Island is no place to detain children

Christmas Island is no place to detain children

?

This morning, dozens of children - under the watchful eye of the Australian Government - were escorted to school by guards. This evening the children will return to a fenced facility on a remote island and do their homework in demountable buildings, while they ponder their plight. Sound like fiction?

?Sadly, there are families and children on Christmas Island who experience this heartbreak daily.

?When I visited the new Christmas Island Detention Centre last year I was horrified to see the prison-like conditions that people applying for asylum in Australia must live in. We were told that children would not be detained in the new detention centre. What we have discovered is that the alternative detention arrangements for the 68 children, including 41 unaccompanied minors held on the island are little better, and in many respects worse.

?Tomorrow is World Refugee Day. Please stand with us and call on the Government to end this shameful treatment and remove all detained children from Christmas Island

?The “alternative” detention arrangements are inappropriate for even the briefest period. A fenced-in facility which currently holds the 68 children consists mostly of metal, concrete and gravel, tiny demountable buildings, with small claustrophobic bedrooms. The children are under guard and not free to leave the fenced perimeter of the facilities. This is unacceptable — if children were detained under these conditions on the mainland there would be outrage in the Australian community.

?No child seeking asylum should be detained on Christmas Island. Please take action now

?While the Federal Government committed to no longer keeping children in detention centres ? instead they are exiled to an environment where the conditions and the lack of services have similar detrimental psychological impacts. This is a betrayal of the Government?s commitment to a more humane immigration policy — and for the sake of 68 young children we must call for this to end.

?Thank you for standing up for a more humane refugee system.

?Yours sincerely,

?Graham Thom

Refugee Coordinator

Amnesty International Australia

?

?

?

Sign the Petition to stop billing asylum seekers

Hi Guys - please download, get your groups to sign at return to this petition by the end of October so Mark can put some pressure on. Thanks http://victas.uca.org.au/main.php?pg=download&id=241250

Details from J.I.M

In May 2008 the Rudd Government announced Temporary Protection Visas (TPV?s) would be abolished. The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship announced that people found to be refugees would receive a permanent visa regardless of their mode of arrival. Those who were currently living in the community on TPVs were expected to have their visa converted by the end of July 2008 (subject to passing health and security checks).

The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship conducted a review of ministerial intervention powers in mid 2008, saying he was uncomfortable with the lack of transparency, accountability and rights to appeal around these decision-making powers. It is envisaged that the results of this review will mean amendments may be made in the second half of 2008 to the Migration and Citizenship Act.

In early 2008 the Rudd Government closed the offshore detention centres on Nauru and Manus Island marking an end to the ?Pacific Solution?. However the building of the Christmas Island detention facility continued and the centre is now ready to be functional.

Australia continues to adhere to the process of mandatory detention for all asylum seekers who arrive on-shore without a valid visa. The Government also continues indiscriminate billing of some asylum seekers for the cost of their detention, even after they have gone through the formal refugee-determination process and have subsequently been found to have met all criteria, and been officially recognised as a refugee under the Government?s humanitarian and settlement program.

The JIM unit has recently developed a petition on both mandatory detention and the current practice of billing asylum seekers for their time in detention, which can be found here: Billing Refugees

There are still people living in the community who are on Bridging Visas, which preclude them from being able to work, receive social security income, access free English tuition and access Medicare. To date, the Government has made no formal commitment to change these visas.

Here is a letter writting action on this issue

Join the celebrations

After campaigning with others on refugee and asylum seeker issues since 2001, TEAR, UCA, RAC, GetUp and all the rest can join the celebrations.

(Ben’s take from the tear network below)

The Immigration Minister has proposed changes to make detention of aslyum-seekers a last resort and put in place clear boundaries so that it cannot be indefinite and unreviewable.
Asylum seekers coming by boat to one of the places that the previous Government excised from Australia’s migration zone will now also have access to assistance and review of their cases ? rights the former
policy stripped them of.

We are very supportive of the Government’s proposed changes. We hope and pray that we will never again see people (including many children) locked up for years, with all the associated mental and physical harm,
while they seek protection in Australia.

A new, humane policy

The Government has decided to take a risk-based approach to deciding whether an asylum seeker should be detained or not. If a person poses no danger to the community, they will be allowed to remain in the
community until their status is determined.

You can read the Minister for Immigration’s entire speech here
http://www.minister.immi.gov.au/media/speeches/2008/ce080729.htm
The Minister outlines the values that will inform the new policy as well as some of the practical details.

Children will not be detained in an immigration detention centre. People who arrive by boat at excised places, which include Christmas Island and Ashmore Reef, will be detained soley for health, identity and security checks.? People who arrive by boat at excised places will now have access to legal assistance and an independent review of unfavourable decisions.? Only people who pose a risk to the community or who have repeatedly refused to comply with their visa conditions will be detained. Once in detention, a detainee’s case will be reviewed every three months to ensure that further detention is justified.

Thank the Immigration Minister

Send an email now
Senator.Evans@aph.gov.au

thanking the Immigration Minister for these changes. Ask him to
make these policy changes law so that no future Government can return
to detaining children, or keeping people in detention indefinitely and
without review.

RAC- Rhythms for refugees

a refugee action collective fundraiser ? www.rac-vic.org

BAR 303
303 High St Northcote

$8 unwaged - $12 waged

Featuring…

THE CONCH

11 piece Cuban ensemble!

PATAPHYSICS

Melbourne hip hop group

and more - from 7pm til late…

[Read more]

Next Page »